Forcing Forsythias

Last year it was such a refreshing sight to find several ‘wild’ forsythia bushes on our property. {We moved into our house in the late fall and once spring arrived I was so excited to see what awaited to bloom} Nothing brightens the early spring months better than the bright cheery yellow of forsythia flowers.

I love bringing some of my own branches indoors to force bloom. There is just something about fresh flowers that makes me smile.

Forsythias are one of the first flowering plants ready to force and the easiest to bloom. It takes only one to three weeks to see flowers {depending upon the size of the buds ~ larger buds bloom quicker} I’m hoping to see some yellow in time to welcome my Easter dinner guests.

Here are a few tips to force Forsythia stems for fabulous results!

1. The best forsythia branches for forcing are those toward the top of the plant. You want to cut the branches that have the most larger buds. {The larger the buds the quicker they will bloom}

2. Cut your branches off all the way back to the stem. Once inside re-cut the end of your branches on a long slant under cold water.

3. Trim off all buds and leaves near the end of the branch that may come in contact with the water. {If left on these will deteriorate and cause you water to become yucky}

4. Place your cut stem in cold water and let sit in a cool area for two days.

5. After two days re-cut the stems, put in warm fresh water and place in a sunny spot.

After a week or so you will be greeted with a bright golden bouquet of sunshine. {I can’t wait to share mine once they have bloomed}

I have heard that it is possible to root your branches if left in water long enough. I’m going to try it this year and see {that’s if I can get past the point of all the yellow leaves falling everywhere – That’s usually when I have to toss them and say goodbye}Are you forcing any branches of your own? Enjoy!

Comments

Oh you are sooo lucky to have forsythia bushes in your yard!! My kids and I took a walk on our acre property the other day and found…nothin’!! Not a single clipping or anything..ugh. Enjoy those beautiful yellow flowers! Thanks for linkin’ up to Frugalicious Friday!

What great tips! I love forsythia, they’re so pretty and cheerful looking! 🙂 I’m having a Gardening linky party later tomm., it should go up later tonight. I’d love to have you link this up! 🙂Blessings,Stacey

Thank for the clear and concise directions. 🙂 I’ve never forced branches before. We do have a very small forsythia in our backyard, and I’d love to try this someday. 🙂 Thanks for sharing. I’m stopping by from Stacey’s Green Thumb party. 🙂

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